Understanding Holistic Health
By Coleen Palat
'Every thought and emotion affects your health...'
A holistic health approach encompasses treating the whole person: the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Traditional cultures have known for thousands of years that these aspects are intimately connected. Every food we eat, every thought we entertain, every emotion we feel and every interaction we experience impacts overall health.
Many blame their health problems on genetics, a virus, toxins in the air, and stress. While these factors can contribute to illness, very often problems result from a lack of fundamental health-enhancing qualities such as responsibility, a strong will, family support, passion, a balanced lifestyle and a knowledge of good health. Without these, whatever modality is chosen becomes just another pill to be taken and discarded when symptoms disappear.
When disease is artificially removed without changing the underlying cause, long-term health will NOT be achieved. The quick fix approach brings little or no permanent success. I am not suggesting that we abandon medical treatment. I am recommending that we look for the deeper causes of the problem from a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle perspective. We need to take the holistic health perspective. Lasting solutions can be found to multiple illnesses of society by getting at the root of the problem holistically.
I have observed patterns among those who have successfully reversed health problems. These traits are not rigid models. We all have them to some degree. They are holistic health approaches that each of us can maximize in our own unique way to return to our natural state of health.
Here are some very important steps you must take to achieve optimal holistic health. I can assure you that by putting these into practice, your overall health will be much improved! Sometimes you have to reevaluate what it is that you are doing with your life. By doing this, you will start to see the big picture.
Lets start with the first step ... RESPONSIBILITY
This means not blindly accepting the opinion of some outside authority as the only way. Take a look at your previous choices for they may have led you to the problem. Then recognize that you can make new choices to remedy the situation.
I am not telling you to stop seeing your health practitioner. I am suggesting that you gather as much information as possible and make your own decisions. Taking responsibility is meant to empower us to make new choices for a healthier result.
Next is AWARENESS ...
which simply is deeply knowing yourself by observing your thoughts and
beliefs, your choices and outcomes, and your response to the world
around you. As you observe, ask questions. Do you believe you can
recover your health? What does the illness have to teach you? Why do
you make the choices you make? What do you need to know? Through
questioning you will discover the things that seemed unchangeable are
actually flexible and can be manipulated.
PROPER NUTRITION
...
is the cornerstone of good health. Health and longevity depend on our
daily nourishment. In 1988, the Surgeon General stated that two-thirds
of the deaths in this country are related to diet. Our eating habits
play a major role in many common diseases and emotional disorders.
Most
Americans have a limited awareness of the power of food in maintaining
health and reversing disease. The most effective diet includes whole
grains, vegetables, low fat, no cholesterol, proteins and fruits.
LETTING GO OF THE PAST ...
Resolving conflicts and discovering their positive impact in our lives
is paramount in healing. Resentment, anger, guilt and all negative
emotional states are self-poisoning. They weaken cells and immunity and
can be the reason for illness. Let it go and move on.
FAITH
...
and the developing of sound judgments are important qualities in
healing. Faith is knowing there is an order and unity to life, a sense
of wholeness and connectedness with something larger than oneself. With
faith, unlimited opportunities unfold, and we gain a sense of
confidence in our choices.
FINDING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE
...
is prevalent among those who are healthy. Everyone has talents and
skills through which they express themselves, and so do you! If you do
not find your unique creative expression, you will be restless and
frustrated, regardless of the success in the conventional world.
Purpose
stimulates a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. With purpose, your life
will take on much more meaning. I did not have a purpose for many
years. The second I knew where I was going my life took a turn for the
best. If you do not have purpose yet, do not worry! Focus on what makes
you the happiest and visualize where and what you want to be. By
working toward a goal and a purpose, you will feel alive and ready for
anything.
Each of the above factors has a profoundly positive
influence on your health and are more effective when bring them
together. When utilized, you can go beyond sickness to health and
happiness. Start with small steps and build upon them for a holistic
approach to your health. Action is the only thing preventing you from
achieving optimal health.
___________________________________
Colleen Palat is a health and fitness enthusiast who loves to pass on the latest information on health and wellness